Disappointment and the inevitability of a court challenge were among the reactions from a few government and school officials Tuesday following state lawmakers’ historic vote to cut benefits in an attempt to deal with Illinois’ $100 billion pension shortfall.

Criticisms included the potential unconstitutionality of a plan that severely cuts some retirees’ benefits, and whether enough time was given to lawmakers and the public to pore over the details of the reform plan, which was agreed upon by legislative leaders last week.

Here are some reactions:

*Tony DelGiorno, a Democrat who represents District 22 on the Sangamon County Board

“To have something of this magnitude be pushed through for a vote in a few days just seems ridiculous. I know the state has some tough choices to make, but at the same time I think that it is a disservice to our democracy that once again we see leadership discussing things behind closed doors and then ramming through a decision at the last minute.

“When you make a promise to someone, your promise should be kept. We have retirees where that’s their only source of income. They’ll see their cost-of-living adjustments being cut. ... That being said, I know these are tough times and we have to look at ways to keep the ship afloat.”

* Jeff Vose, regional superintendent of schools for Sangamon County

“If you’re trying to get legislation passed that is going to comply with the current interpretation of the constitution, I think (a union-backed bill that was rejected by the House in May) would be the route to go so it doesn’t get bogged down with litigation. We’re just going to be tied up in the courts, and then it could be overturned. Then we’re back to square one again.

“Just being around the legislature for the last several years, I assumed that they had some intent or knew where their members stood or they wouldn’t come back and make a vote just for the sake of wasting time. I was expecting something since they called a session.”

* Carrie Hruby, school superintendent for Ball-Chatham School District

“A concern that I have is the possibility of a pension (cost) shift to local school districts. That’s a very big concern for our districts. One of our fears all along has been the conversation about a potential pension cost shift. School districts are already quite strapped across the state.

“As educational leaders, our concern is whether or not this is constitutional. I think everyone knows this will end up being tied up in court.”

* David Mendenhall, a Republican who represents District 3 on the Sangamon County Board

Page 2 of 2 - “To be quite honest, I didn’t think it would get through today. I’m amazed that it got through. I’m anxious to read about it and see what’s going on. I know a lot of different players involved thought it was kind of rushed.”